Lockdown forces major changes in Aussie spending habits

Health and beauty products show a major spike in sales at local supermarkets

The partial lockdown that has been in effect in Australia since March has had a major impact on most people’s lives. Working from home, social distancing not being able to go out like before has translated in major changes in consumer spending across the country.

The outrageous spike in toilet paper and pasta sales at the start of the crisis is well documented, but there have been several other noticeable changes in purchasing priorities according to a spokesperson for Coles.

For instance as a result of working from home, wearing masks and social distancing the sales of gum and breath mints have declined massively. With people no longer getting close to each other at work or on public transport, the need to have fresh breath is obviously less of priority.

Comfort in pampering

The flip side of the lockdown though has been a surge in the sale of beauty products and items typically associated with pampering. According to AAP the online retailer The Iconic has seen a 200 per cent surge in slipper sales in the last two weeks while Adore Beauty has seen a major spike in the sales of exfoliation creams.

Similarly, department store, Myer, who are currently only trading online, were able to report a surge of over 600 per cent in the sale of skincare products.

Not surprisingly anyone selling face masks has seen the numbers shoot upward like never before, but that is probably the most obvious and easy to explain change in shopping habits affected by the pandemic.

Other items whose sales have shot up massively include baking paraphernalia and appliances. Mixers and coffee machines are reportedly leading the way while simple everyday ingredients for cooking are general sustenance are also spiking significantly given that restaurants are now closed.